Temporary Graduate Visa General Information
485 Graduate Visa Overview
Major changes to 485 Visa in 2024
Certain requirements and rules of the visa were modified in 2024.
The most important changes are as follows:
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The age of application has dropped to 35 years old or under (from under 50 years old), unless you have completed a Masters by Research or PhD.
Hong Kong & British Overseas National passport-holders can still be under 50 years old at the time of applying. -
Masters by Coursework graduates receive 2 years on the visa (down from 3 years)
PhD graduates receive 3 years (down from 4 years) -
The English requirement has increased to the equivalent of IELTS 6.5 (up from 6.0)
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English test results are only valid for 1 year
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Temporary 485 visa holders are no longer be allowed to re-apply for a 500 visa
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Due to the free trade agreement, Indian graduates who studied select courses and received select results, will receive the following visa lengths:
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Bachelor/Bachelor (Honours) – 2 years
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Bachelor with first class Honours in STEM & ICT) – 3 years
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Masters (Coursework/Extended/Research) – 3 years
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PhD - 4 years
Updated on July 16, 2024, via information on the Home Affairs website
The Temporary Graduate 485 visa, also known as the TR Visa, offers new graduates the opportunity to gain work experience in their field of study. It can give new graduates time to organise themselves prior to skilled migration applications should they be eligible, and is also a good way to improve English skills in the workplace.
It provides full work rights, and the ability to do additional full-time study.
To be eligible for the Professional Year, you must hold this visa. No other visa categories are eligible. Be aware you are required to have 1 year left on your Graduate visa to apply for the program.
Unlike a 482 sponsor visa, you do not need a job offer from a company, there is no minimum salary requirement, nor is this work visa points tested.
Graduate Visa Requirements - All Applicants
For both streams of the visa, all applicants must:
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be in Australia at the time of applying
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hold an eligible visa
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be 35 years or under on the date you apply for the visa.
Hong Kong & British Overseas National passport-holders can still be under 50 years old at the time of applying.
As per the Document Checklist:
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provide evidence of competent English skills, or be exempt from the requirement based on your passport - from March 23, 2024, the new requirement is the equivalent of IELTS 6.5 with no band less that 5.5. The test score you submit must have been taken less than 1 year before the visa application is being submitted.
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meet the 92-week study requirement
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have specific health insurance in Australia
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meet the health & character requirements
485 Visa Length
The visa is valid for between 18 months to 4 years, depending on your visa stream, and the qualification(s) you completed.
There may be the option of a 2 year extension for regional study/work.
Hong Kong & British Overseas National passport-holders will receive a 5-year visa regardless of the course studied.
Cost of 485 Graduate visa application
Main Applicant (the graduate)
Online application = $AU 1,945
Additional applicants
Over 18 years old = $AU 970 each
Under 18 years old = $AU 490 each
These prices are valid to June 30, 2025
Non-internet application charge = $AU 80
Including dependents on the TR Visa
The visa can include dependents who were on the principle applicant's Student visa.
Family members outside Australia at the time of application may be included at a later date, but their information must added be at the time of your application to be considered after the fact.
